Dick Van Dyke celebrated his 100th birthday with a statement that silenced the entire room — “This is the biggest day of my life… and also the longest day” — The centenary birthday celebration of the Hollywood legend wasn’t marked by fireworks or grand ceremonies, but by the moment Dick Van Dyke stood up among his loved ones, smiled, and uttered those simple yet profound words, transforming a joyful celebration into a rare snapshot of a lifetime; not a summary of his career, not a mention of fame or awards, but a very genuine acknowledgment of a journey so long that even he felt its “length,” making those present understand that they were witnessing not just a birthday, but an irreplaceable milestone; That very sentence defined the entire day — warm, touching, and making anyone who heard it pause for a moment.

How Dick Van Dyke Celebrated His 100th Birthday: ‘This Is the Biggest Day of My Life — and the Longest’ (Exclusive)

The acting legend turned 100 on Saturday, Dec. 13

Actor Dick Van Dyke is photographed for a magazine cover wearing a beige zip-front sweater with jeans and a Claddagh ring while sitting on a turquoise chair under his lemon tree surrounded by greenery at home on April 21, 2016 in Malibu, California.
Dick Van Dyke.Credit : Roxanne McCann/Getty

Dick Van Dyke rang in his 100th birthday with loved ones.

To mark his centennial milestone on Saturday, Dec. 13, Van Dyke spent time with family at a low-key gathering, which PEOPLE attended and where musician Jon Batiste performed. During the celebration, the centenarian gave a birthday speech, complete with his signature humor.

“This is the biggest day of my life — and the longest,” he said, jokingly, as the crowd laughed and cheered during the birthday festivities.

“I’ve done a lot of interviews because of my birthday. Every interviewer says the same thing: ‘So, what is it like being 100 years old?’ And I say, ‘It’s not enough,’ ” he continued at the event put on by Chris Isaacson Presents.

Van Dyke concluded his crowd-pleasing speech with, “Thank you for coming, everybody. Enjoy yourselves. I can only see so far and hear so much, but I’m paying as much attention as I can.”

Arlene Silver and Dick Van Dyke at the CBS Original Special DICK VAN DYKE: 98 YEARS OF MAGIC, scheduled to air on the CBS Television Network.
Dick Van Dyke and wife Arlene Silver.Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty

Van Dyke also commented on the musical entertainment, saying that Batiste’s performance “made my day.”

Batiste, 39, played some of Van Dyke’s songs on the piano, including “Put on a Happy Face” from Bye Bye Birdie and “Chim Chim Cher-ee” from Mary Poppins.

And when Batiste performed “When the Saints Go Marching In,” Van Dyke sang along to the tune. Other songs that Van Dyke took pleasure in hearing Batiste perform were “When You’re Smiling,” ”St. James Infirmary” and “What a Wonderful World,” which Van Dyke also sang along to.

A source previously told PEOPLE that Van Dyke also planned to celebrate his birthday by watching the Dick Van Dyke 100th Celebration documentary, which premiered last weekend, with his family.

The film showcases the life and career of Van Dyke. It also features untold stories and rare footage of the legendary actor’s onscreen work.

At the documentary’s premiere in Malibu on Dec. 7, Van Dyke’s wife Arlene Silver, 54, told PEOPLE that her husband planned to “be in his room watching Jeopardy reruns” with her on his birthday. “He doesn’t want to do anything,” she said.

Silver added that she is “so grateful” her husband is able to witness the love so many people still have for him.

“I’m so happy he’s here to see what I know is going to be a global celebration of him,” she said. “I’m so glad he’s still with us.”

Silver, a makeup artist, first met Van Dyke — who has four children with his late ex-wife, Margie Willett — at the SAG Awards in 2006. After working together on several projects, they wed in 2012.

“I’m so honored to have him in my life, take care of him, and nurture this community that we’ve built, that he’s built over the years,” Silver said.

While speaking to PEOPLE for a November cover story in honor of his 100th birthday and his new book 100 Rules for Living to 100, Van Dyke shared why he and Silver get along so well.

“She’s responsible for keeping me in the moment,” he said. “She’s kept me happy every day of my life, every day. She’s a joy. She can get me singing or dancing and she carries so much responsibility … I’m just lucky.”

Van Dyke added that he feels “really good for 100.”

“Sometimes I have more energy than others — but I never wake up in a bad mood,” he said. “I feel like I’m about 13.”

Dick Van Dyke 100th Celebration plays in theaters nationwide on Dec. 13 and 14, distributed by Fathom Entertainment. For tickets and showtimes, please visit fathomentertainment.com.

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